The Tengu, sensing Ren's determination, let out a guttural roar. Its spear danced, casting shadows that threatened to consume the group. Kiko, Ayame, and Yumi fought valiantly, but the creature's power was overwhelming. It seemed to draw strength from the very essence of the mountain, its attacks growing fiercer with each passing moment.
Ren, however, was undeterred. The amulet pulsed in his hand, its power growing stronger with each blow he landed. With a surge of energy, he unleashed a powerful slash, cleaving through the Tengu's shadow barrier. The creature staggered, its form flickering."Now!" Ren shouted, his voice echoing through the mist.With a coordinated attack, the group launched themselves at the Tengu. Kiko's fiery attacks rained down, Ayame's swift strikes found their mark, and Yumi's wind magic disoriented the creature. The Tengu, weakened and overwhelmed, finally fell, its form dissolving into a cloud of shadows."We did it!" Yumi exclaimed, panting."But the real battle is yet to come," Ren said, his gaze fixed on the shadowy tower in the distance. "We must find Aiko before it's too late."The group pressed on, the path leading them deeper into the heart of the mountain. The fog grew thicker, the air colder, and the shadows more menacing. The further they ventured, the more they felt the presence of the Shadow Brotherhood.As they approached the tower, they encountered a series of traps and puzzles, each designed to test their skills and resolve. They navigated through treacherous pathways, dodged deadly spikes, and solved intricate riddles. With each challenge they overcame, they felt closer to Aiko.Finally, they reached the base of the tower. Its imposing structure loomed over them, a symbol of the Brotherhood's power. The entrance was guarded by a pair of Oni, their massive forms blocking the way."We must find a way past them," Ren said, his voice low. "But we can't fight them directly. They're too strong."Kiko, ever resourceful, suggested a plan. "We could use the mist to our advantage. If we can disperse it, we might be able to sneak past them."Ayame nodded in agreement. "I'll use my ninjutsu to create a diversion. That should buy us some time."With a swift motion, Ayame launched herself at the Oni, drawing their attention. In the ensuing chaos, Kiko and Yumi worked together to dissipate the fog, revealing a hidden passageway. Ren, taking advantage of the distraction, slipped through the passage, determined to rescue his sister.As he ventured deeper into the tower, Ren noticed something peculiar: a faint scent of incense, the same kind that Aiko used to use in her meditation rituals. This clue gave him renewed hope, indicating that Aiko had been there recently.He continued forward, his heart pounding, determined to follow that trail and find his sister. The tower was a labyrinth of dark corridors and mysterious rooms, but the scent of incense grew stronger, guiding Ren towards the unknown.